Brighton and Hove Albion set out to iron out their rough edges as Fulham visit the Amex Stadium, with both clubs keen to turn tidy foundations into something more ambitious this season. Last term was a study in contrasts for the Seagulls. They closed the campaign five unbeaten after a five‑match winless run, toppled Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, yet were thumped 7–0 by Nottingham Forest. Even with the rollercoaster, eighth place marked a respectable return in Fabian Hurzeler’s first year, adding 13 points on the tally compared with Roberto De Zerbi’s final season. The 32‑year‑old’s high‑wire approach drew admiration and a few raised eyebrows. Brighton’s defence was the leakiest among the top‑half sides, and they recorded only eight clean sheets – the same as relegation scrappers Wolverhampton Wanderers. Hurzeler’s challenge now is to keep the progressive intent while tightening the back door, especially when protecting leads. There has been notable turnover. Pervis Estupinan and Joao Pedro have departed, while Diego Coppola, Tom Watson, Charalampos Kostoulas, Olivier Boscagli and Maxim De Cuyper headline the arrivals. Most are long‑range projects rather than box‑office names, but Brighton’s recruitment department has earned trust by finding players who grow quickly into the system. Expect minutes to be shared early as Hurzeler calibrates his defence and reshapes the front line’s pressing cues. Fulham, 11th last season, have prioritised continuity. Back‑up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is the lone addition so far, and crucially no key outfielders have been sold. Marco Silva remains at the helm after links with Tottenham Hotspur faded when the north London club appointed Thomas Frank. Reports suggest Silva would like more arrivals, and with the deadline set for 1 September, time is tight. Without significant reinforcement, a genuine push for Europe looks a tall order. In this league, standing still is a risk. Even so, Fulham’s settled dressing room, compact out‑of‑possession shape and efficiency from wide areas keep them awkward opponents, particularly away from home when they can counter into space. 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here . Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org .